Time to double check Capital’s Georgian flats

The late autumn slowdown could provide chances for Edinburgh’s New Town buyers, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

Atwo-bedroomed flat sounds like a modest proposition, but if you are talking about the Georgian conversions of Edinburgh’s New Town or its illustrious neighbour, Stockbridge, then modest is not a worthy description in terms of space, grandeur and price-tag.

Properties in what is generally considered to be the city’s two smartest addresses are always sought-after and often fought-over, with most giving rise to the idea that closing dates in Scotland’s Capital can be a gruelling way to buy.

Certainly in the spring and summer of this year, apartments in the area were snapped up almost as soon as they came onto the market, with the high number of offers attesting to the number of disappointed bidders for each.

But the late autumn has seen a slight easing of buying conditions with estate agents reporting that the market is approaching a more sedate pace.

Maria Ponte of Rettie and Co says: “Certainly the months March to June were a little crazy for the Edinburgh market.

“But we have found that the market has been more seasonal this year, with a slow down at the start of the school holidays and that has continued.

“We still have a demand imbalance, so the best properties in the right locations continue to sell relatively quickly as they appeal to a wide range of buyers.”

She says that two-bedroomed properties in particular will be attractive to professional couples, downsizers perhaps moving from a nearby period townhouse but wanting to stay close to the city centre, and those buyers from out of town looking for a pied a terre.

One advantage of this size of property is that they tend not to be sought-after by families but that doesn’t mean they don’t offer a great deal of grand entertaining space.

Most properties in the two areas also offer access to the private central gardens, which are a real boon in the city.

In terms of what to look for, Ponte says: “Top floors, double uppers and garden conversions are more niche than a first floor flat and offer comparatively good value to buyers.”

Forming part of a terraced townhouse conversion in Stockbridge, 7/2 Carlton Street is a very impressive second floor flat with a wealth of Georgian features, including original twelve-pane sash and case windows with working shutters, as well as a magnificent cupola and a collection of period fireplaces.

The private entrance hall is on the first floor from where a grand staircase leads upstairs to the apartment.

It is a very bright flat, lit by the cupola and a dining kitchen skylight, and both bedrooms have Velux windows while the sitting room is dual aspect.

In the New Town, 27a Abercromby Place is a lower ground floor position with a private courtyard and under pavement storage. As well as two bedrooms and two bathrooms there is a box room study and the dining room and sitting room have sliding door between them.

Meanwhile, 32 Drummond Place in the New Town is a top-floor flat which has been recently refurbished with working shutters and stripped and varnished floorboards in the principal rooms.

It also has a box room and the attic space, which is floored and has a window, would make a great den or overflow sleeping accommodation.